[From the Ontario District's newsletter, The Trillium, issue 59-03, July - September, 2005 , Waldo Redekop, editor.]

Jeff Pritchard Trophy

By Ed Russell

In memory and recognition of a great Ontario District member and quartet champion, Jeff Pritchard, a trophy was created. Selected by past recipients, this award is presented annually to an individual member of a registered quartet, past or present, from the Ontario District who best exemplifies the qualities that Jeff personified.

These qualities are

• Congeniality,
• Humility,
• Reliability,
• Love of the barbershop style,
• Talent
• Giving of one’s self.

Jeff was born about 1917 into a show-biz family in Toronto where he and his sisters learned to sing, dance and play musical instruments. Jeff’s many musical groups sang and played in nightclubs and theatres in Toronto, all around Ontario and into New York State.

Jeff sang in many Ontario District groups, became a district champion and sang many times at International contests placing often in the top ten. A committee of his close friends organized and presented the first trophy in 1986, shortly before his death.

This year’s recipient is Ron Whiteside who received his award at the APOC Pep Rally in June. k

Photo — Waldo Redekop

Ron Whiteside (L) receiving the 2004 Jeff Pritchard Award
from the 2003 recipient, Dave McEachern. k